Marietta (1-0) outscored the Flying Dutchmen 34-13 over the final nine minutes of the first half for a 57-40 lead. Hope lost senior co-captain Dante Hawkins of Holland, Michigan (Holland) to an injury late in the first half and he did not return.

Anthony Wallace led five Marietta players in double figures with 20 points. Marietta shot 59.7 percent from the field (37-62), including 52.0 percent from 3-point range (13-25).

"A lot of credit goes to Marietta for shooting the ball the way they did," Hope coach Greg Mitchell said. "I would say we contributed to that for not being as sharp as we needed. I thought the energy was good, but as soon as it got to a two- to three-basket disadvantage, we started looking for a six-point shot.

"We have to be better, but I have a lot of respect for what Marietta does and how they play. We were a step off tonight, and you can't lose your poise. We tried to jump out of our skin and make plays that we can't. Our guys have to do the simple things well."

"A basketball season is a marathon. We're going to learn and stay together," Mitchell said. "We can't wait to play tomorrow."